CAN'T-MISS TOURS & TRAILS IN NORTHERN MICHIGAN
August 18, 2025
One of the best ways to take in the true beauty of northern Michigan is to explore its many natural and paved hiking and bike trails, literally guiding you through (and to) some of the most pristine views and experiences in the world.
From wooded explorations to wide-open spaces, through the city, the dunes and, of course, Lake Michigan, there is a trail perfectly suited for everyone from the solo adventurist to the family casually enjoying the day together.
When most people think of hiking and biking in northern Michigan, they think of the summer and fall—with good reason, as it would be hard to find anything as beautiful as Traverse City at those times of year—but many trails are open year-round, allowing those who love winter recreation, like cross-country skiers, an exceptional experience. You should check before you go, though, just to make sure the trail you hope to traverse is open.
For beer and wine aficionados, northern Michigan is one of the best places to tour vineyards and breweries, with the revered-in-viticulture 45th parallel right there and a collection of breweries lauded for their creative (and hoppy) brewing.
Traverse City Hiking Trails
We’ll start where many visitors to Traverse City start: Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park (it’s also known as the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, which became a national park in 1970). Miles of hiking trails, including the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail and Pyramid Point Trail, take visitors to and through the dunes to some of the most stunning freshwater beaches in the world.
The Miller Creek Nature Preserve is a great option for a walk through a forest, and the paved TART Trail gives you access to beaches, parks and restaurants over its 10.5 miles. The TART Trail is ideal for just about any non-motorized transportation and is frequented by walkers, joggers, bicyclists and in-line skaters.
Traverse City Bike Trails
The TART Trail is a good place to start when looking at can’t-miss bike trails. For those who need bikes, rentals are available at multiple locations on and near the trail. Added to the TART Trail in 2022 is the Boardman Lake Trail, which gives cyclists four miles of paved, boardwalk and gravel paths through urban and wooded settings, as well as bridges over the Boardman/Ottaway River.
If you’re looking for a guided tour of the local trails, Grand Traverse Bike Tours and Paddle TC can help you out.
The Betsie Valley Trail in Benzie County has 27 miles for bicyclists to explore and several options to stop along the way to enjoy a spectacular view, find a meal at a local restaurant or visit one of the area’s wineries or breweries.
Traverse City Wine Tours
The Traverse Wine Coast produces grapes and wines that are uniquely Up North. The Leelanau Peninsula American Viticultural Area (AVA) and Old Mission Peninsula AVA produce more than 60% of Michigan’s grapes and, as an aesthetic bonus, overlook Grand Traverse Bay.
You can guide yourself through both areas, visit a wine-trail event or schedule a tour to take you through The Leelenau Peninsula Wine Trail or Wineries of Old Mission Peninsula and sample some award-winning wines. Wine-trail events and tours are held year-round.
Traverse City Breweries
We could simply list several of the highly regarded breweries in Traverse City, but it’s much more satisfying to experience them. The quintessential Traverse City brewery tour is the TC Ale Trail, which supplies you with a passport to be stamped as you visit each of the area’s craft breweries.
If you want to combine your appreciation for craft beer with other fun outdoor activities, the Kayak, Bike & Brew Tour is a great idea for how to spend a day in Traverse City. The four-hour tour has you on bike trails, rivers and, of course, stops at three breweries. The TC Cycle Club is another great way to experience Traverse City while sampling its hoppy goodness.
Your Home Base: Grand Traverse Resort and Spa
Knowing you have a relaxing, luxurious, amenity-rich place to return after a day of hiking, biking or touring the area’s wineries and breweries enhances your entire experience. Grand Traverse Resort and Spa is close to Traverse City trails and tours and is the perfect place to unwind. Book now to begin your northern Michigan experience.